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This Starbucks pumpkin spice sauce is the ultimate fall favorite! Made with just 6 simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a homemade pumpkin spice latte, cold brew, or pumpkin sweet cream drinks. Skip the drive-thru and enjoy rich, cozy fall flavors anytime.

Love this pumpkin drink? Check my other fall favorites: Starbucks homemade pumpkin spice syrup recipe, pumpkin cream cold brew, easiest pumpkin pancakes recipe, as well as this Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins,.

Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Sauce in a Jar

Best homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Sauce Recipe

Starbucks pumpkin season is officially here! Bring the cozy fall vibes home with this Starbucks pumpkin spice sauce. Perfect for later, hot or iced coffee, or any pumpkin-flavored drinks. Enjoy it anytime, even outside of autumn!

Pumpkin Sauce vs Pumpkin Syrup: Starbucks Copycat Guide

  • Homemade Pumpkin Syrup: Thin, made with water, sugar, spices, and a touch of pumpkin puree. Great for flavoring coffee or desserts (even on French toast!).
  • Starbucks Pumpkin Sauce: Thicker, made with pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and spices. Creamier and richer, perfect for lattes and cold foam.

What is pumpkin sauce at Starbucks?

The Starbucks pumpkin spice-flavored sauce is used in their lattes and is made primarily with sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin purée.

Let’s Chit Chat!

I’ve been obsessed with Starbucks fall drinks for years, and there’s nothing like making your own at home. I started experimenting with pumpkin lattes in my kitchen to get the flavor just right, creamy, cozy, and sweet but not overpowering. After a ton of testing, this pumpkin sauce recipe finally hit that perfect balance!

I love sharing it because you can recreate that Starbucks magic at home, impress friends, or just indulge yourself without the drive-thru price. Fun fact: I always make a double batch and stash some in the back of the fridge because everyone here loves it!!! I like to hide a little for myself too, LOL! Perfect for spontaneous pumpkin latte cravings.

Why make this recipe?

  • Know what’s in your sauce- no additives, no preservatives.
  • Control the flavor- adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
  • Save money – skin the Starbucks prices.
  • Perfect for gifting – jar it for friends and family!
Ingredients on the counter

Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Sauce

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this easy recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements. 

How to make Starbucks pumpkin spice sauce at home

This is how you can make Starbucks pumpkin spice sauce. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions! 

  1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. 
  2. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add in the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin spice, and salt. 
  3. Cook on low heat for 2 minutes, remove from the heat, and allow the pumpkin sauce to cool down. 
  4. Store the pumpkin spice sauce in an airtight container in the fridge or use in your drinks immediately.  

Expert Tips for the Perfect Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Sauce

  • Use Real ingredients: Always use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for that authentic flavor and to control the sugar content better.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Everyone’s pumpkin spice preference is different. Start with less sugar and add more gradually. Perks of a homemade version!
  • Warm, Not Boiling: Cook on low heat to avoid curdling the sweetened condensed milk and preserve the smooth, and creamy texture of this sauce.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, cloves, or cinnamon for a more vibrant pumpkin spice flavor.
  • Pair with Your Favorite Milk: Experiment with whole milk 2% milk, oat, or even coconut milk to match your preferred latte flavor and creaminess.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How long does homemade pumpkin sauce last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Swap sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk and brown sugar for coconut sugar. Use dairy-free milk to build your latte.

Jar full of pumpkin spice sauce

Homemade pumpkin spice latte recipes

To make a Starbucks-style pumpkin spice latte:

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of pumpkin sauce with 1-2 hot espresso hots.
  2. Add 6-8 oz of steamed milk (2%, skim, oat milk, or coconut milk)
  3. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for extra coziness.

Can I use this sauce for pumpkin spice latter, cold brew, or cappuccinos?

Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness to taste and enjoy in any pumpkin-inspired drink.

Spoonful of Starbucks pumpkin spice sauce sauce
Pumpkin spice sauce recipe in a mason jar
5 from 16 votes

Starbucks pumpkin sauce recipe

This easy Starbucks pumpkin spice sauce is the perfect copycat to the sauce that your favorite coffee shop uses to make their fall drinks.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
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Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
    1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low then add in the sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir to combine.
    2/3 cup pumpkin puree, 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to simmer and allow it to simmer for 3 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat, add in the vanilla extract, and mix again. Allow the sauce to cool down a little before adding it to a jar. Cool down fully before chilling in the fridge.
    1 tsp vanilla extract

Nutrition

Calories: 87Calories | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 1324IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Chahinez Tabet Aoul

Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!

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5 from 16 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




21 Comments

  1. Maureen says:

    How much do you use in each drink ?

    1. Chahinez says:

      It depends on your sweet tooth and the size of the drink. My recommendation is to start with 2 tablespoons and use more if you need.

  2. Ginger says:

    5 stars
    This is a delicious recipe. Thank you so much! It Is so rich, flavorful, fall-ish and downright yummy. It gives me the warm cozy vibes, clear down to my toes and I love it. I will probably use this year-round, but absolutely in the fall and winter. I wouldn’t change a thing in this recipe. Well done!

    1. Chahinez says:

      I am so glad to hear it!

  3. Shyla says:

    Can this be frozen?

    1. Chahinez says:

      Yes it sure can 🙂

  4. Casey Neitzel says:

    So happy I came across this recipe! It tastes amazing and can’t wait to have it for my coffees😍

    1. Chahinez says:

      Glad you liked it!

  5. Julia M says:

    5 stars
    Love the flavour! I tried another recipe last fall with fewer ingredients and more ratings, but it just didn’t hit the same as this one. Not too sweet and a good balance.

    Question – could it be stored in the freezer?

    1. Chahinez says:

      I’m glad you liked it! And yes it can be frozen. The ingredients will most likely separate once you thaw so give it a shake or stir before you use it again.

  6. Lisa Peretic says:

    5 stars
    Really good! I added a touch more pumpkin pie spice and used maple syrup instead of white sugar.

    1. Chahinez says:

      That’s awesome! I’m glad you enjoyed it 😁

    2. Jo Webb says:

      How much maple syrup did you use? I’d like to try this substitution.

  7. Amanda says:

    5 stars
    By far my fav homemade pumpkin sauce that I’ve tried yet! Made it 3 days ago, it has kept perfectly in the fridge so far, consistency is the same even after sitting but honestly surprised I still have any. It’s SO good! I’m the type that drinks PSLs year round so I’m pumped to have found this.

    1. Chahinez says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      1. LJ says:

        5 stars
        Does this go bad if stored in the fridge in an airtight container?

      2. Chahinez says:

        No it doesn’t! You can store your sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks 😁

    2. Brina says:

      Question! Do you think it’s possible to sub the condensed milk with condensed coconut milk for a diary free option? Thanks!

      1. Chahinez says:

        Yes you can! It will make the sauce slightly less creamy and add a mild coconut flavor, but it will still thicken and sweeten the same way.

  8. Claire says:

    5 stars
    Just made this and it’s delicious. I am confused, are you supposed to bring to a boil and then simmer for 3 min and simmer for two minutes?? Step 3 is different on the recipe card and at the top of the page. The consistency of mine is not as smooth as yours so I am thinking the second simmer is not necessary. Either way can’t wait for coffee in the morning!

    1. Chahinez says:

      The first part is not necessarily a simmer, it’s just to dissolve the sugar. I’ll change that in the recipe. Hope you enjoyed it!